Saints chat with sports columnist John DeShazier

(06/04/2008)

11:41

timespicayune:

Hi, we'll be live with Times-Picayune sports columnist John DeShazier at noon to talk about the Saints

Wednesday June 4, 2008 11:41 timespicayune

12:00

timespicayune:

OK, we're live.

Wednesday June 4, 2008 12:00 timespicayune

12:00

[Comment From eric smitheric smith: ]

How did Meech and Vilma look @ the mini camp?

Wednesday June 4, 2008 12:00 eric smith

12:00

timespicayune:

DESHAZIER: Eric, each guy looked fine, for what he was asked to do. Meachem obviously is moving better and more fluidly than at any point last year, and Vilma appears to be on schedule in his recovery. The litmus test, obviously, is going to be how each guy holds up during training camp, when contact begins.

Wednesday June 4, 2008 12:00 timespicayune

12:01

[Comment From JIGGAJON33JIGGAJON33: ]

DO YOU THINK COACH GIBBS WILL PUT MORE BLITZ PACKAGES IN DEFENSE 4 DIS SEASON. B/C MORE PRESSURE WE PUT ON QB WILL CAUSE D QB TO MAKE MORE MISTAKES AND WILL CAUSE MORE T/O. WHAT DO U THINK

Wednesday June 4, 2008 12:01 JIGGAJON33

12:02

timespicayune:

DESHAZIER: JIGGAJON, I wouldn't bet against it, considering the way things ended last season. The problem with blitzing, though, is that you have to be able to cover on the back end. Still not sure that the Saints are comfortable enough with their corners, sans McKenzie, to toss caution to the wind.

Wednesday June 4, 2008 12:02 timespicayune

12:03

[Comment From Joe MJoe M: ]

What is the statis of Colston's contract talks. I would not like to see himon the open market.

Wednesday June 4, 2008 12:03 Joe M

12:05

timespicayune:

DESHAZIER: They're working on it behind the scenes, Joe, same as they are with Will Smith. The difference is, Colston didn't sit out the voluntary workouts, so his status doesn't receive the same level of attention. But he won't get to the open market, and he'll get a deal that's in line with most No. 1 receivers. It might not be T.O./Chad Johnson/Larry Fitzgerald money, but it won't be far below that.

Wednesday June 4, 2008 12:05 timespicayune

12:05

[Comment From d Koded Kode: ]

Does Skyler Green have a chance to make the team?

Wednesday June 4, 2008 12:05 d Kode

12:07

[Comment From Marwan from pearlandMarwan from pearland: ]

Besides as a returner could you see skyler making an impact on offens,e Like danta hall did for the chiefs a few years back even getting a couple of screen routes and by the way, what ever happend to that play Bush was real effective on those during the first year?

Wednesday June 4, 2008 12:07 Marwan from pearland

12:07

timespicayune:

DESHAZIER: He does, Kode, mainly as a returner. That's a hole he specifically can fill, and Coach Payton would consider keeping him to do just that if he's good enough at it, because he won't make an impact as a receiver. It remains to be seen if he's the same kind of returner he was at LSU, though.

Wednesday June 4, 2008 12:07 timespicayune

12:08

[Comment From Chuck in NCChuck in NC: ]

Do you think that Jason David will be better this year in the defense the Saints run? He came from a Tampa-2 system, and many are saying that change was a part of his problems at CB for the Saints.

Wednesday June 4, 2008 12:08 Chuck in NC

12:10

timespicayune:

DESHAZIER: Well, the flip answer is he couldn't be much worse, Chuck. The real one is I think he'll be better because he's a better player than he showed. The change from Cover-2 was a big part of the problem; he still was employing Cover-2 principles during the season. But he has good feet, he's aggressive and he has good ball skills. That combination should make for a better year, if he can stop peeking in the opposing backfield.

Wednesday June 4, 2008 12:10 timespicayune

12:10

[Comment From RaymondRaymond: ]

What are the chances that someone beats out Shanle for a starting spot? Any favorites?

Wednesday June 4, 2008 12:10 Raymond

12:13

timespicayune:

DESHAZIER: Raymond, I think your starting linebackers are going to be Shanle, Fujita and Vilma (if Vilma is healthy). Dan Morgan might have had a chance to beat out Shanle, but he's gone and Marvin Mitchell is a tad inexperienced. Maybe Mitchell, who has been working in at outside linebacker, might have a chance later in the year. But not at the beginning.

Wednesday June 4, 2008 12:13 timespicayune

12:13

[Comment From jimjim: ]

john, will we have enough cap space for long term deals to be made with smith, evans, colston, AND ellis? and do you think some extensions for the veterans will be done soon?

Wednesday June 4, 2008 12:13 jim

12:14

timespicayune:

DESHAZIER: There's plenty of cap space to do all of that, Jim. The key extensions, Smith and Colston, will be taken care of, probably before training camp. It's a good sign that both guys are in New Orleans for the voluntary workouts this week.

Wednesday June 4, 2008 12:14 timespicayune

12:14

[Comment From iga76iga76: ]

How were the new additions at CB looking (Gay and Porter). Do you think come opening day these two will be the starters? Where does Young fit in to all this?

Wednesday June 4, 2008 12:14 iga76

12:16

timespicayune:

DESHAZIER: Gay and Porter both looked a little "off" during minicamp, which was to be expected. Both are learning on the go, and both are thinking more than they're reacting right now. I can see Gay starting if McKenzie isn't healthy, and you have to believe Jason David is going to be your other starter. Young probably will nickel or dime this year.

Wednesday June 4, 2008 12:16 timespicayune

12:17

timespicayune:

A league source has told The Times-Picayune that the Saints have fired Rick Mueller, the team's vice president of player personnel. Check back to nola.com for updates on the story throughout the day. ProFootballTalk.com has also reported the firing.

Wednesday June 4, 2008 12:17 timespicayune

12:18

[Comment From the_mcthe_mc: ]

How did Mark Brunell look. there is a lot of talk about his arm strengh dwindling

Wednesday June 4, 2008 12:18 the_mc

12:19

timespicayune:

DESHAZIER: Brunell looks fine, MC. I'm sure you know that dwindling arm strength can be compensated for via anticipation and smarts, and he has plenty of that. All in all, he looks like a major upgrade over Jamie Martin.

Wednesday June 4, 2008 12:19 timespicayune

12:19

[Comment From jamesjames: ]

john, do you realize that reggie bush has had only 1 20 carry game in his career? could it be possible that he has'nt been given the ball enough? your thoughts

Wednesday June 4, 2008 12:19 james

12:21

timespicayune:

DESHAZIER: James, Reggie isn't a 20-carry-a-game running back. Maybe 10 to 15, plus a few catches and maybe a couple of punt returns. But he simply can't hold up to the pounding, regardless of what he thinks and says. Don't fret the carries; he also catches the ball about five times a game, so he gets touches. What he has to do is make more of his opportunities.

Wednesday June 4, 2008 12:21 timespicayune

12:22

[Comment From Ted in N.O.Ted in N.O.: ]

What are the chances the Saints let Duece go after this year?

Wednesday June 4, 2008 12:22 Ted in N.O.

12:24

timespicayune:

DESHAZIER: Probably, pretty good. He's had the two ACL surgeries and a microfracture surgery, he has slowed down and, though he has renegotiated his contract, they probably still can go with a cheaper option (Pierre Thomas?) at the position. He's a great guy, but football is a brutal business on and off the field.

Wednesday June 4, 2008 12:24 timespicayune

12:24

[Comment From DaveDave: ]

John, any idea why the Saints got rid of Mueller?

Wednesday June 4, 2008 12:24 Dave

12:25

[Comment From TyTy: ]

Why do you think the Saints fired Rick Meuller?

Wednesday June 4, 2008 12:25 Ty

12:25

[Comment From phillipphillip: ]

what effect will the firing of rick mueller have on the saints?

Wednesday June 4, 2008 12:25 phillip

12:25

[Comment From samdoggsamdogg: ]

Rick Mueller has been fired !! what's your take on this?

Wednesday June 4, 2008 12:25 samdogg

12:25

[Comment From phillipphillip: ]

what effect will the firing of rick mueller have on the saints?

Wednesday June 4, 2008 12:25 phillip

12:25

[Comment From JethroJethro: ]

Hey John: Why do you think Rick Mueller was fired?

Wednesday June 4, 2008 12:25 Jethro

12:27

Which of these defensive players will have the best season for the Saints?
Will Smith

( 14% )

Scott Fujita

( 5% )

Charles Grant

( 5% )

Roman Harper

( 8% )

Jonathan Vilma

( 45% )

Sedrick Ellis

( 23% )

Wednesday June 4, 2008 12:27

12:28

timespicayune:

DESHAZIER: Actually, I can't say I saw a Mueller firing coming. He seemed to work well with General Manager Mickey Loomis. I'm spitballing here, but the safe guess may be that he wasn't performing up to the standards Coach Payton wanted. It probably won't be a huge impact; you have to believe a replacement is standing by.

Wednesday June 4, 2008 12:28 timespicayune

12:28

[Comment From JohnJohn: ]

Been hearing plenty about Ellis and Arrington. How are the other rookies faring?

Wednesday June 4, 2008 12:28 John

12:31

timespicayune:

DESHAZIER: John (great name, man), to be honest, it wouldn't be fair to say any of the rookies looks particularly great or dismal at this point. The lesson learned from Marques Colston is that a rookie can be horrible at first and a standout by training camp. If I had to put one on the spot, I'd say keep an eye on Porter. He plays a position of need and he has nice skills.

Wednesday June 4, 2008 12:31 timespicayune

12:31

[Comment From RudyRudy: ]

How confident are the Saints that they will have Charles Grant this year?

Wednesday June 4, 2008 12:31 Rudy

12:31

[Comment From ChrisChris: ]

John, based on your experience doesn't an event, like what is occuring with charles Grant, have an adverse impact on that player and his ability to "play" up to his potential? Any idea if the Saints will look for additional DE depth?

Wednesday June 4, 2008 12:31 Chris

12:35

timespicayune:

DESHAZIER: Rudy, Grant should be available all season. We all know how the legal process works, and it can be fairly tedious in speed. Chris, I'm guessing it won't adversely affect. In fact, there are countless instances in which an athlete plays better when his life is a little tattered off the field. Plus, Grant is supposed to be healthy after playing injured all last year. Right now, they love the depth they have on the defensive line - Grant could move inside to tackle on passing downs, with McCray lining up outside, so they're probably set there.

Wednesday June 4, 2008 12:35 timespicayune

12:35

[Comment From TylerTyler: ]

Do you think McKenzie will be full speed and ready to go by opening day?

Wednesday June 4, 2008 12:35 Tyler

12:37

timespicayune:

DESHAZIER: Generally, McKenzie's injury is a two-year deal. That's especially true of a guy who relies on cutting and running as much as he does, so I'd be shocked if he's the "old" McKenzie on opening day. I know his rehab process is ahead of schedule, but returning from a torn ACL takes time and, it seems, everyone who does needs two years to be the player he was.

Wednesday June 4, 2008 12:37 timespicayune

12:38

[Comment From Paul(Knoxville,Tn)Paul(Knoxville,Tn): ]

Would Jason Taylor fit the Saints defense? Or is he only a 3-4 DE?

Wednesday June 4, 2008 12:38 Paul(Knoxville,Tn)

12:39

timespicayune:

DESHAZIER: Jason Taylor would fit any defense, Paul. But he won't fit this one because the Saints aren't inclined to give up a second- or third-round pick for a 34-year-old DE who only is going to play one more year. The guy is a monster, but he probably also is a Dolphin.

Wednesday June 4, 2008 12:39 timespicayune

12:39

[Comment From DaveDave: ]

Do you like Mehlhaff's chances of beating out Grammatica?

Wednesday June 4, 2008 12:39 Dave

12:42

timespicayune:

DESHAZIER: Nah, Dave. Save your money on that bet. Grammatica was pretty good last season, good enough to have the Saints run off Mare. Plus, Grammatica has been in the fire before. You never say never, but coaches are inclined to stay with kickers who are experienced, who are accurate and who they know will perform.

Wednesday June 4, 2008 12:42 timespicayune

12:42

[Comment From AndyAndy: ]

We know Joe Horn wants a trade from Atlanta and he is also very old. Being such a dominant receiver for the Saints as well as a fan favorite, could you see Horn retiring as a Saint?

Wednesday June 4, 2008 12:42 Andy

12:45

timespicayune:

DESHAZIER: Actually, Andy, that'd be nice to see. The team could do one of those one-day deals that allows Horn to retire as a Saint. Now, there are some hard feelings to get past and that would be the biggest obstacle. Horn didn't like the way he left, and Payton probably was as fed up with Horn as Horn was with Payton. But the Saints haven't done that for any of their other former standouts, so don't expect it to happen in this case, either.

Wednesday June 4, 2008 12:45 timespicayune

12:45

[Comment From RudyRudy: ]

Any chance the Saints look at Travis Henry?

Wednesday June 4, 2008 12:45 Rudy

12:48

timespicayune:

DESHAZIER: Rudy, you should hope and pray that they don't. Henry has so much baggage he should travel with a porter, and he looked like he'd lost his appetite for the game at times last year. They'd give Pierre Thomas the feature role before turning to Henry.

Wednesday June 4, 2008 12:48 timespicayune

12:49

[Comment From BJBJ: ]

What do you think the odds of Kaesviharn beating out Bullocks are? Bullocks was just as bad as Jason David last yr, and they were frequently on the same side. Kaes played well when he was in there and had 6 ints for Cincy 2 yrs ago. Do you think he supplants Bullocks this year?

Wednesday June 4, 2008 12:49 BJ

12:51

timespicayune:

DESHAZIER: I'm guessing he does, BJ, but my vote doesn't count. All I know is, he made positive plays every time he was on the field and he seems to know where he's supposed to be, whereas Bullocks seems to struggle routinely. I'd try Kaesviharn, and I think the Saints might be leaning in that direction.

Wednesday June 4, 2008 12:51 timespicayune

12:51

[Comment From helenhelen: ]

in response to your comments on joe Horn, the saints signed Ricky Jackson for 1 day so he could retire as a Saint.

Wednesday June 4, 2008 12:51 helen

12:52

timespicayune:

Helen, a quick check of the TP library shows that Rickey Jackson played three exhibition games with the Saints in 1997 and then decided to retire. He was 39.

Wednesday June 4, 2008 12:52 timespicayune

12:53

[Comment From FrulyFruly: ]

Do you think Pierre Thomas could do it as a feature back? Hopefully we'll see alot more of him this year. If Deuce can't fully recover this year it would be real nice if Thomas could step in for him.

Wednesday June 4, 2008 12:53 Fruly

12:57

timespicayune:

DESHAZIER: Fruly, I'd love to be able to tell you I see that in him, but it's just hard to say because he hasn't played much. That Chicago game was great, but you only know if a guy is feature back material if he can do it game after game, when the defense is geared to stop him. If Deuce can't go, Pierre will probably see more action based on what he did against the Bears. But don't forget how much the Saints like Aaron Stecker, either.

Wednesday June 4, 2008 12:57 timespicayune

12:57

timespicayune:

That's it for this week. You can replay this chat any time at nola.com. Come back next Wednesday at noon for another chat with Saints beat writer Jimmy Smith. Also, be sure to check in with nola.com throughout the day for updates on the Rick Mueller story.

Wednesday June 4, 2008 12:57 timespicayune

12:57